NSWC Panama City leader closes final chapter on successful career

Lisa Tindell, Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division deputy technical director for operations, is closing the final chapter on her successful career after 33 ½ years of federal civil service. (Photo by Haley Walker)

Lisa Tindell, Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) deputy technical director for operations, is closing the final chapter on her successful career after 33 ½ years of federal civil service.

Tindell, a lifelong resident of Panama City, Fla., began her career at NSWC PCD after learning of employment opportunities at the base in 1985. She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida in Computer Engineering.

Tindell’s career has allowed her numerous highlights throughout the years, including the integration and testing of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Mine Countermeasures Mission Package (MCM MP).

“I began writing the functional requirements for the LCS MCM MP in 2003 as a branch head and continued to support this portfolio as deputy and head of the Littoral and Mine Warfare Systems department. In 2015, NSWC PCD completed the largest systems of systems integrated test event conducted in the history of the command,” said Tindell. “During this highly visible testing period, the technical excellence, dedication, and resiliency of many individuals was highlighted. It was a true honor and privilege to be a part of this dedicated team with a goal of developing a mine countermeasures capability that would remove the sailor from the minefield.”

According to Tindell, the opportunity to serve as a civilian, and the people, are what made her most excited to work at NSWC PCD throughout the years.

“My first division head would walk around the work area occasionally and ask his employees, “What have you done for the Navy today?” This simple question instilled a desire to contribute to our Navy and our Nation every day,” said Tindell. “The people inspire me the most and have remained the greatest inspiration throughout my career. I have been privileged to work with a talented, dedicated workforce that inspires and challenges me each and every day.”

Ed Stewart (SES), NSWC PCD technical director, said Tindell has been a valuable asset to the Command and to the Navy in the realm of littoral and mine warfare.

“Over the course of her career, Lisa has distinguished herself as one of the Navy’s top Research and Development professionals leading the sustainment of legacy mine warfare capability as well as the transformation to the modular, unmanned, off-board systems of the LCS MCM MP,” said Stewart. “Lisa’s exemplary technical leadership on numerous critical projects has resulted in the sustainment and fielding of critical mine warfare capabilities in direct support of warfighter. Her accomplishments and unwavering dedication to serve the warfighter are indicative of her commitment to excellence and reflect great distinction upon herself, the Naval Surface Warfare Center, the Naval Sea Systems Command, and the United States Navy.”

For those seeking similar success, Tindell recommends having a mentor, balancing your career aspirations with your personal life, and most importantly, always have fun at work!

Looking back on her extensive career, Tindell offers words of wisdom.

“We often get in situations with competing demands and due dates, but it is important to try not to do everything at once and nothing well. I keep a quote on my desk from Marian Wright Edleman that says, “Help me to sort out what I should do first, second, and third today and to not try to do everything at once and nothing well. Give me the wisdom to delegate what I can and to order the things I can’t’ delegate, to say no when I need to, and the sense to know when to go home,’” said Tindell. “It is also very important to take time to let people know they are appreciated. We often get so busy, that we fail to pause and recognize our co-workers contributions. A simple email, note, or thank you will often encourage and motivate.”

Tindell said what she will miss most about the Command is the people.

“The PCD team is family and I will truly miss them. I have ‘grown up’ with many of my co-workers and they have always supported me through the seasons and challenges of life,” said Tindell. “For those I have had the opportunity to work for and with, thank you for your support, encouragement, and trust. You are only as successful as those you work with. If not for the unwavering dedication and support of others, I would never have experienced the joy and privilege of serving this Command.”

Tindell’s final day of service at the Command is June 28. During retirement, she plans to spend more time with family, exercise, and volunteer.